INTERFERENCE OF WAVES Key Terms Interference Constructive Interference

INTERFERENCE OF WAVES

Key Terms Interference Constructive Interference Destructive Interference

Wave Interference Remember that waves are the result of particle vibrations. � Particles When a single wave passes a particle, it moves in an oval path. � Allows in a medium are connected by forces. the wave to travel in a certain direction. When waves meet, a new wave is generated in a process called interference. � The speeds of the combined wave cancel out and the particles move up and down.

Wave Interference Cont’d The waves pass through each other with no loss of energy. � The direction and energy of each wave are preserved. Once they have passed, their characteristics are unchanged.

Principle of Superposition When two waves meet, the forces of their particles are added together. � If the two waves are in phase, the resulting amplitude will be greater than either of the two individual amplitudes. � If the two waves are out of phase, the resulting amplitude will be less than either of the two individual amplitudes.

Constructive Interference The process of forming a wave with a larger amplitude when two or more waves combine.

Constructive Interference

Destructive Interference The process of forming a wave with a smaller amplitude when two or more waves combine

Destructive Interference

Technology Using Interference of Waves Noise-cancelling headphones generate a wave that is completely out of phase with the sound waves in the environment. � When the wave is played in the headphones, the destructive interference of the waves, cancels the ambient noise.